IFMSA SCORE Research Exchange Program
The International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations has conducted activities to enhance Thai medical students’ research capabilities, providing them with the opportunity to participate in international research exchange programs. In 2024, pre-clinical medical students have focused their research on the topic “Clinical, ultrasound, and molecular characterization of thyroid nodules” at the Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy, for one month (April 30 – June 2, 2024). The program offers insights into Italy’s healthcare system, data collection from patients for research, laboratory work, and opportunities to establish good relationships with medical students from Italy, Brazil, Kenya, and Peru. This experience fosters the student’s ability to apply research knowledge in future projects and classrooms, particularly related to thyroid and endocrine disorders.
The learning experience includes:
1. Setting Clear Learning Objectives: Students collaborate with their advisors each week to set clear learning goals.
2. Daily Activity Evaluation: They evaluate expected outcomes and adjust their plans daily.
3. Hands-On Learning in Medical Labs and Ultrasound Departments: Students practice in general clinics, focusing on common thyroid diseases such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, and more. They also learn to interpret ultrasound results, differentiate thyroid nodule characteristics, and engage in respectful patient communication during physical examinations. The program covers diagnosing and treating endocrine-related conditions, such as neuroendocrine tumours (NET), multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These experiences inspire students to become dedicated future physicians.
4. Cultural Adaptation and Problem-Solving: Students learn to navigate cultural differences, solve problems, and overcome language barriers, particularly when Italian and German are predominantly used. Assistance from professors, mentors, and fellow medical students plays a key role.
Participating in this program enhances students’ medical knowledge, research methods, sample analysis, and diagnostic skills and teaches them the importance of connecting with patients. The role models provided by Italian medical professors inspire students to commit to becoming exemplary physicians. This program improves the quality of medical education beyond traditional classroom learning and establishes an international network of students and faculty from various institutions (Partnership for the Goals).
Project Leader: Dr.Puangtong Inchai, Faculty of Medicine